Using Plaster to Create Texture

Plaster on Canvas: A Practical Guide

Plaster is one of my favorite materials from the hardware store. It gives the same thick, sculptural results as modeling or molding paste, but at a fraction of the cost.

​Here’s the important thing to remember: plaster is made for filling nail holes in rigid walls, not flexible canvases. When you apply it to canvas, it behaves a bit like painting on an elastic band — it tends to crack as it dries.

I don’t see this as a problem. In fact, I often welcome the cracks. As long as the plaster doesn’t flake or fall off, those fissures add beautiful texture and character to the work.
To make the plaster more flexible and reduce excessive cracking, I mix it 50/50 with gel medium. This creates a malleable paste that still holds wonderful texture while staying better adhered to the canvas.

Whenever we use materials that weren’t originally “meant” for canvas, unexpected things can happen. I’ve come to see this as a blessing rather than a curse. Experimentation and breaking the rules often lead to the most exciting discoveries in the studio.

Interestingly, even modeling paste (made by paint companies) cracks as it dries. If you prefer to stay with commercial products and want fewer cracks, Flexible Modeling Paste is a good alternative.
Ultimately, the choice is yours: follow the products exactly as intended, or invite a little surprise and play into your process. I highly recommend the latter.

Retreats